Z-horses provide three CSIO5* wins in Brussels

With the Brussels Stephex Masters in Wolvertem last week, one of the most beautiful and, above all, most prestigious five-star competitions of the year was here again! For the 10th year already, organiser Stephan Conter welcomed the top of the international show jumping sport at his Stephex Stables and the event exceeded all expectations again this year. For five days, those attending were treated to an absolute world-class spectacle, combining top-class sport with atmosphere and conviviality. Many Zangersheide horses also took to the famous grass arena and managed to secure no fewer than three victories in the CSIO5* competition classes.

The 1.50m GP Qualifier on Saturday evening, for example, saw a resounding victory for German Daniel Deusser and his 16-year-old chestnut stallion Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z, the son of Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve and Mr Blue bred by Jonas Bellemans. 'Double D' and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z already started their competition with a ^7th place in the 1.50m class on Thursday and on Saturday evening were one of the 10 combinations to secure a place in the jump-off. There they had the luxury of being the very last combination to start again and managed to live up to their role as favourites. Once again, they kept all the bars neatly in the scoops and with a finishing time of 36.21 seconds they kept the victory in their own home.

Daniel Deusser: "Tobago knows perfectly well what just happened and what he has managed to do again, you know. He is always so amiable when you are with him. But when he comes into the ring he gives everything and does what he has to do time and time again. I am extremely happy with him again. I had seen Steve (Guerdat) and Harrie (Smolders) ride a strong clear round. Because I was last, I knew perfectly where I stood. Tobago did tap softly against the wall for a moment. So that was exciting for a moment. But after that he was unbeatable again."

Apart from Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z's victory, we also saw a second Zangersheide horse in the prizes in this class thanks to Belgian rider Wilm Vermeir and the 9-year-old grey mare Magic Van 't Hulgenrode Z, a daughter of Midas vh Endhouse and Vigo d'Arsouilles out of Marcel De Ridder's breeding. Vermeir and Magic Van 't Hulgenrode Z also managed a flawless barrage round and their time of 45.28 seconds was good for ^4th place in the standings.

On Thursday during the opening day, there was also a 1.50m high qualifier for the Rolex Grand Prix on the programme and in it, too, victory was already coloured blue/yellow. Indeed, it was reigning Belgian Champion Gilles Thomas who jumped to victory with the 10-year-old stallion Elfra Van Beek Z, the son of El Salvador and Vagabond de la Pomme bred by Guido Herrijgers. In a class against the clock, Thomas and Elfra Van Beek Z sped to the finishing line in 66.42 seconds, giving them a lead of 19 hundredths of a second over the competition.

Gilles Thomas: "Such tests, right on time, suit Elfra. He has already managed to win several of them this year. So I had no hesitation in putting him in right away in this first qualifier and even hoped for victory. Now that we have also been able to fulfil those ambitions, I am hugely satisfied. Elfra Van Beek Z is 10 years old and he has been at my stables for three years now. Two years ago we won the final of the young horses here. Last year I also rode him in the first qualifier for the CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix, presented by Audi, but then he lacked some experience. Meanwhile, he is really ready for this level and I could already take more risks."

Besides the 1.50m GP Qualifier, a 1.45m class also took place for the CSIO5* competition on Saturday, in which a Zangersheide horse also topped the standings. This time it was Spaniard Sergio Alvaraz Moya who claimed victory with the 9-year-old chestnut gelding Brazilia DK Z, a son of By Cera d'Ick and Argentinus who was bred by Haras d'Ick and who until last month could be seen under the saddle of Moya's compatriot Ismarel Garcia Roque. In both the^1st and^2nd phases, Moya and Brazilia DK Z kept all obstacles intact and with a clear round in 31.22 seconds, they were stronger than the competition. For Frenchman Olivier Perreau and the 8-year-old mare Channah Z (Carrera VDL x Calido - B: Veebedrijf S.J. Kat BV) there was another ^9th place in this class.

On Friday, in Wolvertem, most eyes were on the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup and in it, Dutchman Lars Kersten managed to impress with his 10-year-old stallion Funky Fred Marienshof Z, the breeding product of Stal Marienshof who combined the blood of Fantomas de Muze with that of Libero H. Kersten and Funky Fred Marienshof Z managed to do nicely clear in both the first and second rounds and with two clear rounds they had an important share in Team NL's ^3rd place.